TIPPED to be one of the acts to watch in 2005, Paddy Casey will tour the UK later this month prior to the release of his new album éLivingé in February.

The Dublin singer-songwriter has followed like-minded artists such as David Gray, Damien Rice and Tom Baxter by becoming a huge star in Ireland, where his forthcoming LP has gone multi-platinum and lodged itself in the top ten since its 2003 release.

In between supporting Baxter on his recent tour, Paddy also took up a sell out residency at the infamous Boogaloo pub in Highgate, London.

Casey will return to the capital on January 20 to play the Islington Academy before hotfooting it up north to round off the five-night jaunt with a date at the Late Room the following night.

Released on March 15, Living is said to echo influences as far reaching as Dusty Springfield and David Bowie.

Prior to the album, live favourite Saints and Sinners will be released on February 7.

Whether he can hits the heights of his enigmatic fellow countryman Damien Rice is still up in their air, but this tour should go some way in confirming his potential at the very least.

Paddy Casey plays the Late Room on Friday, January 21. Tickets are priced é7.50. Call 0161 832 1111 for tickets.